Practice Tip: Discuss alternative options with satisfied patients to prevent contact lens dropout
One way to deter contact lens dropout is to talk about alternative contact lens options with wearers not reporting any specific complaints, writes Erin Rueff, OD, PhD, FAAO, Dipl. AAO, in her Jan./Feb. cover feature “Deterring contact lens dropout.” “This means broaching new product options that are relevant to the patient’s lifestyle and refractive status each year. In addition to solving a potential issue, such as end-of-day ocular dryness that the patient has gotten used to or just accepted, this conversation reminds the patient of the value of checking in with us,” she pens. Read more  

Glaukos submits New Drug Application to FDA for corneal cross-linking treatment
Glaukos Corporation announced the submission of its New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA for its epithelial-on corneal cross-linking iLink therapy Epioxa for keratoconus. The NDA submission includes data from two phase 3 trials of Epioxa, which both achieved pre-specified primary efficacy endpoints and demonstrated favorable tolerability and safety profiles, according to a press release.

Legislation that adds Veteran’s Affairs optometrists to the physician pay scale goes to Biden for signature
The House of Representatives passed the bipartisan “Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act,” which includes adding optometry to the physician pay scale, according to a press release. The legislation, which has been advocated for by the American Optometric Association and Association of Armed Forces and Federal Optometric Services, now rests on President Biden’s desk for his signature. To read the legislation, visit Click here .

Prevent Blindness provides free educational resources for Glaucoma Awareness Month
Prevent Blindness announced it is providing patients, care partners, and professionals with free educational resources on glaucoma in support of January’s National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Specifically, Prevent Blindness is offering   downloadable fact sheets, a listing of glaucoma financial assistance resources, shareable social media graphics, and a dedicated webpage. Additionally, the organization is providing resources on drop instillation, including a downloadable fact sheet in English and Spanish, a demonstration video, and a dedicated webpage at PreventBlindness.org/taking-eye-drop-medications. Examples of other glaucoma -related videos: “Glaucoma and Public Health” and “Focus on Eye Health Patient Story: Glaucoma.” For more information and materials on glaucoma, visit PreventBlindness.org/glaucoma. 

The Vision Council welcomes 21 new members
The Vision Council announced the following new members, who joined the organization in the second half of 2024: Aceso Optics, Amcon Laboratories, Claudia Alan Inc., Darwin Optical, Divel Italia, DLSIX Consulting, Eyebot, Glaukos, Goertek Optical Technology Co., Ltd., GoodVision, InFocus Eyecare, Izipizi, Jet Set Group, Lumi Lumi Vision, Marshall Optical Lab, Morrison Corporation, Rax Industries Inc., Revant Optics, Sea2see, Titan Company Limited, and Visibly. To visit the member directory, click here. Once signed in, “Member Contacts” appear under the company address. (Members must sign in to view member company contacts.) OM